woman holding oral appliance before going to bed

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Helping You Achieve The High-Quality Sleep You Deserve

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA, we know that getting a good night’s sleep and staying well-rested is important. That’s why we are dedicated to not only helping you receive a diagnosis, but working on a sleep apnea treatment plan, as well. Our goal is to help you get the rest you deserve, and finding the right treatment option for you is key. We specialize in non-invasive treatments for your sleep disorder, which means that we recommend oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a comfortable and effective treatment that is an excellent option for many of our patients, especially those who cannot tolerate CPAP.

What To Expect

When it comes to the treatment of your sleep apnea, we at Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy frequently work with patients who have first visited, and often been diagnosed by, a sleep specialist. The sleep specialist often refers the patient to us so that we can help them with their sleep apnea treatment. We will first perform an evaluation, followed by a discussion of your medical history. This includes your sleep history, which often consists of the results of your sleep test and any observations about your sleep from your family members or those in your household. From there, we will determine a comfortable, non-invasive treatment option that works best for you.

Treatment For Sleep Apnea

While treatment for sleep apnea may vary based on the type you have, it usually involves lifestyle changes, like weight loss and exercise. Losing weight can help relieve the pressure on your neck, which can help open up your airways. Traditional treatment includes the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine uses a mask, which delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. A CPAP is made up of a nosepiece, mask and hose. However, we specialize in the use of oral appliance therapy and recommend it as an alternative to CPAP therapy, since it involves a much smaller, non-invasive intraoral device, and is usually far more comfortable. In addition, long term, an oral appliance is less costly than a CPAP.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy, we prioritize and focus on non-invasive procedures to make your sleep apnea treatment as effective yet comfortable as possible. Therefore, we provide oral appliance therapy, a non-invasive therapy that will help you breathe better at night.

An oral appliance, which looks and feels much like a mouth guard or retainer, will help keep your tongue from blocking your airway. This will help open up your airway while you sleep. An oral appliance is an easy, convenient and comfortable way to treat your condition. Appliances are digitally custom-fitted by our team of dentists with specific training in treating sleep apnea.

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Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

While CPAP therapy can be an effective sleep apnea treatment option, many patients may find that they prefer oral appliance therapy. This treatment option has many advantages over a CPAP machine, including:

  • Comfort: Oral appliances are typically more comfortable to wear than CPAP machines. CPAP machines require a mask that covers the nose or both the nose and mouth, and some people may find it difficult to get used to wearing the mask. Oral appliances are custom-made and fit comfortably in the mouth, making them easier to tolerate.

  • Portability: Oral appliances are small and easy to transport, making them a more convenient option for people who travel frequently. CPAP machines, on the other hand, require a power source and distilled water, and can be bulky, making them less portable.

  • Quiet: Oral appliances are silent, while CPAP machines can be noisy, which can disrupt sleep for some people.

  • Non-invasive: Oral appliances are non-invasive and do not require any surgery, making them a more attractive option for some people who want to avoid invasive treatments.

  • Compliance: Some people find it difficult to use a CPAP machine consistently every night, which can compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. Oral appliances may be more appealing to these individuals, as compliance rates tend to be higher with oral appliance therapy.

Get Sound Sleep, Every Night

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, contact our team at Virginia Sleep and TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA. We aim to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed throughout every step of their sleep apnea treatment journey. Our experienced team of dentists has undergone extensive training in sleep disorders and is here to help you get the restful, quality sleep you deserve. After all, better sleep can lead to a better quality of life. To request an appointment with our team, call us at (804) 729-3474 or fill out our online appointment request form.